Causes
• Signs
& Symptoms • Treatments
• Medication
•
Living with Manic-Depressive Disorder
Manic
depression, known in medical terms as bipolar disorder,
is a serious, chronic mental disorder. It is more than just
a simple mood swing. Bipolar patients experience distinct
periods of altered mood, either manic (euphoric or irritable)
or depressed. Mixed states can also occur.
It is estimated that one in 100 people suffer from manic-depression.
It generally strikes before 35 years of age. The length
and frequency of cycles between the low of depression and
the high of mania vary from person to person, as do the
other symptoms of manic-depression.
Causes
Recent studies
have led scientists to believe genetic changes in body chemistry
may be a cause of manic-depression. Researchers believe
bipolar patients' neurotransmitters - chemicals that allow
brain cells to communicate, are affected during phases of
the disease.
Other
factors, such as negative family relationships, serious
illness and substance abuse, can complicate manic-depressive
disorder. Close relatives of people with manic-depression
are sometimes more likely to develop either depression
or manic-depression than the general population.
Signs and Symptoms
People who suffer from manic-depressive disorder will
likely display one or more of the following behaviors
during the manic phase:
-
Excessively
euphoric or expansive mood
-
Irritability
and anger that is inconsistent with the situation
-
Hyperactivity
-
Grandiose
ideas or delusions; extreme optimism
-
Lack
of good judgment
-
Flights
of ideas or racing thoughts; talking in a rush and changing
from topic to topic; disorganized thoughts
-
Decreased
need for sleep
-
Sudden
rage, irritability or paranoia
-
The
depressive phase has the same symptoms of major, or "unipolar,"
depression:
-
Feelings
of worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness, total indifference
and/or extreme guilt
-
Prolonged
sadness; unexplained crying spells
-
Jumpiness
or irritability; withdrawal from formerly enjoyable activities
or relationships
-
Inability
to concentrate or remember details
-
Loss
of appetite or great increase in appetite; constant fatigue,
insomnia
-
Physical
ailments that cannot be explained otherwise
-
Thoughts
of death or suicide attempts
Treatments
While manic depression is a serious mental illness, it is
treatable. Anyone who may suffer from manic-depressive disorder
should seek a complete medical evaluation to rule out any
other mental or physical disorders that could mimic manic-depression.
Treatments should stabilize the manic-depressive cycle and
focus on the mood being experienced.
Medication Therapy
Lithium carbonate, the most common medication for manic-depression,
can reduce the number and intensity of manic episodes or
prevent them altogether. For patients who do not respond
well to lithium, physicians have had success with other
medications like carbamazepine and valproate.
Like
many others, these medications can have negative side effects
when not used properly. However, under careful physician guidance,
lithium and similar medications can return patients to normal,
productive lives.
Living with Manic-Depressive Disorder
Living with manic-depression can be a terrifying ordeal. Like
many other mental illnesses, manic-depression can destroy
lives if left untreated. It can complicate relationships,
especially with close family and friends. A victim's employment
and financial standing are also at great risk. It can even
result in suicide. The personal and social consequences of
manic-depressive disorder may be helped by psychotherapy in
addition to medication. Because of the intense nature of manic-depressive
disorder, family members may benefit from counseling as well.
Not only can they find emotional support, education and understanding,
but they may learn to participate in the patient's treatment.
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Overview